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Yukon hits pause on Ross River bridge demolition

Yukon hits pause on Ross River bridge demolition The demolition of the Ross River bridge is on hold.

The demolition of the Ross River bridge is on hold.

The Yukon Party’s principal secretary Gordon Steele and chief of staff Rick Nielsen travelled to the community Tuesday to meet with Ross River Dena Council Chief Brian Ladue and councillors from the First Nation.

“The intent of the meeting was to hear directly from Ross River Dena Council on the matter of Yukon government’s planned removal of dangerous portions of the Ross River bridge,” said cabinet spokesperson Elaine Schiman on Thursday.

The government is now considering next steps, which will likely include further discussions with the Ross River Dena Council, said Schiman.

Until that work is completed the contractor hired to take down the bridge will stand by, she said.

Meanwhile protesters have camped out around the clock on the Pelly River ice to prevent the demolition from occurring.

Schiman would not speak to how the government intends to deal with the protesters, but said that public safety will remain the priority.

“Public safety has been a priority for us all along, and so it would follow that we would want to avoid a confrontational situation.”